News on Food Trends from Northern America

Tom Wild of Wild Seed Farms Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin, and Gary and Lynda Bula, owners of Gary Bula Farms Inc., Oxford, were inducted into the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Hall of Fame

Intralox and Conveyor & Automation Technologies modernized Herr Foods end-of-line operations, boosting throughput 25% to 150 cpm, expanding to 20 lines and 600 SKUs, saving USD 650k+ annually, and improving safety—within the existing footprint.

SNAC International has announced the education session lineup for SNX26, highlighting the legal, regulatory, political and consumer forces shaping the snack industry in 2026 and beyond.

For more than 60 years, R.D. Offutt Farms has paired science with stewardship to grow potatoes the right way. This January, the company doubled down on that commitment, selecting Wadena County as the home of a new 90-acre potato research farm.

MoistTech Corp, the global leader in moisture measurement and control, will participate in SNX 2026, taking place March 29–31, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

Savory snack food sales surged to USD 742 million during Super Bowl Week 2025, according to new Circana data commissioned by SNAC International, the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 200 companies worldwide.

Michigan State University Extension will host a free six-session 2026 Regenerative Agriculture Winter Webinar Series in February. The virtual program will share practical strategies to improve soil health, water quality and farm resilience.

SNAC International has announced the appointment of Cindy Kuester as its new President & CEO, effective February 9, 2026. Kuester brings more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, having spent many years at Snak King.

McCain Foods has released its 2025 Global Sustainability Report, sharing progress toward its sustainability commitments with the completion of a key pledge made in 2021, and outlines refreshed sustainability targets to 2030.

Jared Balcom, a fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Washington, has been named the 2026 Potato Person of the Year in recognition of his long-standing leadership and advocacy on behalf of the United States potato industry.

The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) has announced updates to its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including the election of new leadership and the retirement of several long-serving directors. 

Solynta, a leader in hybrid potato breeding, secured major growth funding as EW Group acquired a majority stake. The investment will speed its goal to double global potato yields while halving crop protection use and reducing land needs worldwide.

FPS Food Process Solutions adds Symotab to its portfolio, expanding compact coating solutions for protein and snack processors. Symotab’s 3-in-1 CombiCoater reduces line length, simplifies sanitation, and improves coating consistency.

Idahoan Foods has launched its new 'Get Real' campaign, created by The Brandon Agency, highlighting its Real Potatoes, Real Easy promise. The campaign positions Idahoan mashed potatoes as a quick, affordable and wholesome option made with 100% real potatoes.

Potato Expo in Dallas brings growers, suppliers and industry leaders together. NPC CEO Kam Quarles says the event is a must-attend opportunity to reconnect the potato community, spark new ideas and help shape the future of the industry.

Peak of the Market won GFS’s 2025 Regional Supplier Partner Award for excellence in quality, reliability, and collaboration, recognizing its efforts to supply local produce to Manitoba’s restaurants through the Markon Local brand.

SNAC International announced keynotes for SNX 2026: Circana EVP Sally Lyons Wyatt opens with data-driven snack category insights, and Sprinkles founder Candace Nelson closes with a fireside chat on entrepreneurship. Early rates end Jan 17 Apply.

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) has announced its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 and updated its full year financial targets for fiscal 2026.